2014

Isla Isabela Today we visited Isla Isabela. Isla Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago. The island was formed by 6 volcanoes that grew together. First we went to Puerto Villamil. This is the largest town on Isabela with approximately 2000 inhabitants. Puerto Villamil is located right in front of a white sand beach and is one of the most beautiful spots in the islands. After that went to the Humedales. Humedales is the Spanish word for “wetlands”. This is an area with mangroves, swamps, and lakes just outside the town of Puerto Villamil. The small brackish water lagoons create the perfect environment for a small type of shrimp that serves as the food for the island’s flamingos. ...

Isla Santa Cruz After breakfast we have visited Puerto Ayora (on Isla Santa Cruz). On Isla Santa Cruz is the world famous Charles Darwin Research Station as well as the giant tortoises rearing center “Fausto LLerena “. We were going to the Charles Darwin Research Station. On our way we came across the local fishmarket. Especially fun to see, were the pelicans and sealions begging for fish. After this we walked to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This is one of the best places to see giant tortoises, including the place where Lonesome George used to live. ...

Isla Sante Fé en Isla Plazas After breakfast we visited Isla Santa Fé. Isla Santa Fé is located southeast of Isla Santa Cruz. The island is uninhabited. Tourists are allowed to go ashore at Barrington Bay. The island has the greatest variety of native animal species of all the Galapagos Islands. When we arrived on the island, we were treated to a noisy welcome from the local sea lion colony. With our guide we walked along the paths on the island. The main attraction of Isla Santa Fé is a towering forest of giant cacti. ...

From Quito to the Galapagos Islands We booked an 8-day trip to the Islas Galápagos. These islands are located near the equator, about 1000 km off the west coast of South America. These islands are a province of Ecuador and consist of 127 islands, of which only 4 are inhabited. All of the islands belong to the Galápagos National Park. This is a unique protected nature reserve (since 1959). The islands have been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1978. In 1981, the surrounding ocean was declared a marine reserve. The Galápagos National Park covers 97% of the archipelago. This means that the landscape is protected by strict regulations to preserve the fragile ecosystem. The archipelago consists of 13 main islands and many smaller islands. ...